Aerosol container system



Nov. 14, 1967 a. e. LIPSKE 3,352,496

I AEROSOL CONTAINER SYSTEM Filed Feb. 14, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l 26a` 36 E *l 6 50a 5 a HHIHI .Y HHH v /NvE/vrofa. v v

BEA/JAM/N 5. L /Ps/E United States Patent O 3,352,496 AEROSGL CONTAENER SYSTEM Benjamin B. Lipske, Downers Grove, Ill., assigner to National Can Cprporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Filed Feb. 14, 1966, Ser. No. 527,354 Claims. (Cl. 239-304) The present invention relates to an aerosol container dispensing system, and more particularly to the construction of separate containers which are adapted to be removably joined to each other to form an economical and efficient aerosol dispensing system.

In general, the invention relates to a first or upper container which is adapted to contain substantially only propellant, and which is capable of resisting high pressures, and which contains a so-called venturi valve unit for discharging the propellant. This container also includes a product tube for allowing product to pass therethrough and into contact with the stream of the propellant, which in lturn is discharged through a venturi.

A second container is adapted to contain substantially only the product to be dispensed (hereinafter referred to as product), and this container need not be capable of holding high pressures. At the bottom of the upper container, and the top of the lower container, attachment means are provided for making a liquid-tight connection between the containers. The lower container has a dip tube extending from the top to the bottom thereof, to allow product passage vertically therethrough. The upper container contains the product tube referred to above, and the connecting means serves the dual function of connecting the two containers tightly together for use in handling and for connecting the product tubes together in liquid-tight relation.

It has been discovered, for reasons which will be eX- plained and referred to in greater detail herein, that placing the aerosol propellant and the product to be dispensed in separate containers enables dispensing of the product, by means of a venturi valve system, with much less propellant than would be the case if the two products were intermixed and attempted to be dispensed from the same container.

For example, in a normal product which is adapted to be dispensed from an aerosol can, approximately half of the contents of the can are propellant. Thus, for example, when attempting to pack an aerosol product, the ratio between the amount of paint, insect spray, deodorant, or like product and the propellant has been of the order of one to one, that is one part of product and one part of propellant. However, the more eficient dispensing -provided by the dual can dispensing system allows product to propellant ratios of up to four or tive to one. Thus, in a composite system according to the present invention, a product container may contain 16 to 20 ounces of product, and this container may be entirely emptied with the use of only about 4 ounces of propellant.

In addition, side reactions between the propellant and the product are not as critical when the two are mechanically separated. In addition, emulsifiers, couplers, and the like, to insure product compatibility, are not necessary in keeping with the concept set forth herein.

However, the systems heretofore proposed for utilization of venturi valve dispensing have not aiorded practical means for utilizing fully the advantages of canned products to be dispensed.

Thus, venturi valve dispensers have been provided which include long dip tubes integrally attached thereto for projection into the containers such as bottles and the like. However, such units are unnecessarily bulky and difficult to ship. In addition, no ready `and simple method was available for attaching such units to cans, which possess advantages of strength, lightweight, attractive decorating V3,352,496 Patented Nov. 14, 1967 ICC potential and freedom from accidental breakage. Further, no simple and straightforward -method of attaching the two containers together, or for providing a liquid-tight seal and air vent passage combination have been heretofore known. Likewise, previously proposed can units which included venturi valve units, because of a lack of suitable connecting means, have been heretofore provided in undesirable shapes.

On the other hand, the present invention makes it possible, for the first time, to combine a strong and compact propellant container including the venturi valve, with a simple, safe and economical lower can unit, such advantages being provided by the construction of the attachment means provided by the present invention.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an aerosol dispensing system comprising two containers adapted to be attached together in use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide containers which are adapted to be attached together and of which only one is required to withstand lrelatively high pressures.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel attachment means for two containers whereby, in position of use, such containers share a common product tube eX- tending through both containers, terminating at a venturitype product dispensing valve.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol dispensing system wherein one propellant container may be interchangeably attached and detached to and from various different product containers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel container for an aerosol propellant which is adapted to contain a venturi type dispensing valve and attachment means thereon for providing ready attachment to another container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a product container which includes means for receiving a propellant container in close association therewith, as well as providing a system wherein the product to be dispensed need not be stored, shipped, and labeled in the same manner as that which is required for the propellant container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol dispensing system in which the product may be filled and seamed or sealed closed without requiring at any time during lling and shipment that the product container be pressurized or charged.

Another object is to provide an aerosol container system in which iilling of the propellant container may be accomplished without the need for control over the reaction between the product and the propellant.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, including those inherent therein, and the manner of their attainment, will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with a description of the preferred embodiment of the invention contained in the following speciiication and claims, and as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the combination aerosol can system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged vertical sectional view, taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 and showing details of the interior of the can assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG.3 is a further enlarged vertical sectional view of a portion of the upper container shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of an alternate form of a portion of the upper can unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional View of a portion of the lower can unit similar to that shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional View of another embodiment of the composite aerosol system of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of a third embodiment of a connector system for use with the present invention.

Referring now to the invention in greater detail, FIG. l shows a composite aerosol can assembly 10 including an upper can unit 12 and a lower can unit 14. The upper can unit 14' includes side wall portions 16, a bottom wall 18, rounded lower edge portions 20, an outer top end portion 22 joined to the side wall 16 by means of a conventional double seam 24. A venturi type valve unit 26 is retained in place in the upper container 12 by means of an aerosol mounting cup 28 which is xedly attached thereto.

The cup 28 includes an upper ange 30 for containing a sealing compound 32 and is locked against the lower inside edge portions of the outer top end portion 22 by means of a conventional, outwardly extending annular bead 34 which is placed therein by an expansible split collet (not shown) of a type well known in the aerosol can filling industry.

Although the exact construction of the venturi valve 26 does not form an element of the present invention which originated with applicant, a brief, somewhat schematic, description of the basic elements of the apparatus will be set forth herein to define the environment of applicants invention.

The venturi valve assembly 26 comprises generally a valve control body 36, a product discharge outlet 38, a venturi body 40, a propellant valve 42, and valve seat 44 disposed in the venturi body 40 and adapted to receive the propellant valve 42 in a tight sealing relation. A valve stem 46 connects the valve 42 to the valve control body 36, and spring means 48 bias the valve control body 36 upwardly and urge the valve 42 into a normally closed position in the venturi body 40. A propellant expansion area 50 is provided in the venturi body 40, and a product passage 52 communicates between the propellant expansion charnber 50 and an upper product tube 54.

Referring now to the bottom portion of the upper can -unit 12, FIG. 3 best shows upper attachment means in the form of an upper, male connector 55 formed from the inside portions 56 of the cam bottom 18 and the lower portion 58 of the product tube 54. A central product opening 60 extends through the connector 55 thus formed. Screw threads 62 are formed, as by rolling, on the exterior of the connector 55. The product tube 54 is held in snug engagement with the portions 56 by reason of the contour of the threads 62. Since the tube 54 is also snugly connected to the venturi body 40, a liquid and gas-tight passage extends entirely through the upper can unit 14, from the central opening 60 through the tube 54, and to the expansion chamber 50 and product discharge area 38.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing a somewhat different embodiment of a connector for the upper and lower cans 12, 14. In this embodiment, the upper product tube 54a is similar to those shown in FIG. 3. However, in this embodiment, the threads 62a in the connector assembly are formed by rolling over an inner connector tip 64, which includes an upper flange 66 for accommodating the product tube 54a.

Although it is not strictly necessary in accordance withk the present invention, a suitable method for manufacturing the upper can unit 12 may be an impact extrusion or a deep drawing operation. Such an operation will result in a can in which the body is of one piece and which may thus readily provide with rounded lower edge portions 20, as particularly shown in FIG. 2. These rounded lower edge portions have, in one embodiment, slight, upwardly extending re-entrant air vent projections or serrations 70 therein, of the order of 1/16 or even much less depth, for reasons which will appear herein. These projections 70 may be widely spaced about the periphery of the can, and one to four for each can unit are normally sufficient.

Disposed beneath, and removably attached to the upper can unit 12, in position of use, is a lower can unit 14. The lower can unit 14 contains side walls 72, a bottom wall 74, which may be attached by a double seam 76 to the side wall 72. An upper end wall 78 is attached to the side walls 72 by means of a conventional double seam 80. The upper end wall 78 terminates in a curled bead 82.

A so-called mounting cup unit 84Vcontains an outer flange 86 which contains sealing compound 88, and the cup 84 is secured in place to the bead by an annular ring 90. The inner edge portions of the cup 84 contain, in liquid-tight relation to the cup, a lower, female connector 92. A shoulder portion 94 is formed on the connector 92 for receiving a product dip tube 96, which extends substantially to the bottom of the container. An interior opening 98 extends through the connector 92. Screw threadsV 100 are formed on the inner, upper portions of the connector 92. An air passage 102 extends from that portion of the connector 92 which is inside the container to the top surface 104 of the connector 92.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a removable plug element 106 is adapted to be snugly received in the connector 92, the shank portion 10S thereof being adapted to engage the screw threads of the connector 92, whereas the top surface of the plug e106 fits snugly over the top surface 104 of the connector 92 to seal off the -air vent 102 when the plug 106 is in place.

Although the embodiment just described shows a lower container 14 which is conventional in part, that is, one which contains conventional side seams and upper and lower double seamed end portions which are well known in the can industry, the lower container may be made by other known methods. However, relatively thin and lightweight materials may be used in making the lower container relative to those used in making the upper container if desired, inasmuch as the lower container need not hold substantial pressure or vacuum.

Thus, whereas in a conventional aerosol can, a soldered side seam of the type well known in the art is used, and this seam is soldered with a substantially pure tin solder, for strength and to prevent reaction between the product and the lead which would otherwise be present in the solder, the can according to the present invention may advantageously contain a more economical and simple side seam which is merely rendered liquid-tight by use of a thermoplastic adhesive material. Other conventional can construction techniques may be used in making the lower can.

Referring now to the construction of the aerosol valve, the materials used in constructing the seam are conventional and are known in the aerosol can industry. Normally, a combination of plastic, metal, Iand rubberlike materials are used to assemble the valve 26. The dip tube 54 may be made of metal or plastic, and the only structural requirement thereof is that it be able to withstand collapse caused -by the pressure placed on the outside thereof by the propellant contained in the upper can unit 12.

Referring now to the lower or female connector 92, this unit is advantageously made of plastic, although it may be formed from metal. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid-tight seal between the upper and lower cans is etfectuated either by the metal to plastic seal between the rolled metal threads 62 of the connector 55 with the threads 100 of the lower connector 92, or by contact between the lower surfaces 68 of the upper connector 64 and the inner shoulder portion 110 of the lower connector 92 (FIG. 4). The lower dip tube 92 may be made of anysuitable metal or plastic material.

Referring now to the operation of the aerosol system of the present invention, a person kdesiring to discharge the contents of the product can 14 removes the plug 106 from the lower connector 92, and inserts the upper connector 55 into the lower connector 92, rotating the upper can 12 and the lower can 14 relative to each other to secure snug engagement between the two cans by means of the screw threads provided. Preferably, when the threads are tightly engaged, the lower edge portions 20 of the upper can snugly engage the upper end 78 of the lower can 14, except where the projections 70 allow means for air passage between the two cans.

When the cans are attached, and the product is to be dispensed, the valve control body 36 is depressed, the valve 42 opens, and propellant passes through the expansion chamber 50 and through the discharge outlet 38. As a result of the vacuum thus created in the expansion chamber 50, product is drawn through the power product tube 96, through the upper product tube 54, entrained in the propellant spray and discharged through the discharge outlet 3S.

In the event that there is snug engagement between the edge portions and the can end 7S, air passage means in the form of the projection 70 are nonetheless provided, in order to allow passage of air through the projection 70, and through the air vent 182 into the interior of the lower container 14 Thus, when product is extracted through the product tubes 96, 54, no vacuum remains at the head space above the product 14. Other means may be provided for allowing lair to enter the lower container. A conventional check valve (not shown) may be provided in this air passage if desired.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, an upper container 412a has sidewalls 16a, similar top and bottom portions 22a, 13a, and a corresponding valve control body 36a maintained in position in the mounting cup unit 23a. In addition, an expansion chamber 56a is provided, but the mechanism thereof is somewhat different from that shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to the valve unit 26a shown in FIG. 6, there is shown an expansion chamber 59a which is integrally formed in the operating sleeve 116. Inner surfaces 118 of the gas seal unit 126 close the gas passages 122 in the sleeve 116, when the sleeve 116 is urged upwardly Vby the valve spring 124. An upper product tube extension 126 is attached to the upper end of the product tube 54a. A central opening 128 extends entirely through the tube extension 126 terminating Vin or near the expansion chamber 50a. Provision is made to allow a slight bend or ex 130 in the upper product tube 54a inasmuch as the extension I126 moves up and down with the v-alve control body 36a. The product tube 54a is preferably made of a relatively stiff plastic which is flexible enough to bend somewhat, but strong enough to withstand the pressure created by the aerosol propellant. In FIG. 6, the lower edge portions 20a of the upper container 16a are shown as being of conventional double seam construction.

The threads 62a on the connector 55a shown in FIG. 6 are the same as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Likewise, the lower connector 92a is the same as that shown in FIG. 2.

Serrations 70a may be cut in the lower portions of the double seam 20a or otherwise as desired to allow air passage between the bottom portion 18a of the upper can 12a and the top portions 78a of the lower container 14a.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the means for attaching Vthe two cans together are in an alternate form. In this embodiment, a plastic connector 551; is attached to a product tube 54b and a plurality of rings and bosses 134, 136 are rolled or otherwise appropriately formed from the stock comprising the bottom 18b of the container in a tight fitting relation over the connector 5513. A lower connector 921; having a lower product tube 65 attached to the bottom thereof and in communication with the inner bore 9S!) is provided. One or more cuts 138 are formed in the interior of the connector 9211 to receive the ring 136. An air vent 162]: is also provided in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the plastic material comprising either the upper connector 56b, the lower connector 9217, or both, are' preferably of a somewhat exible material so that they may be removably attached by a snap lock action.

Whereas, the construction of the lower container has been described with reference to can making practices,

it is not absolutely essential, in keeping with the present invention, that the lower container unit be a metal can. For example, a jar or glass bottle, or somewhat rigid plastic bottle can be used, provided that it includes the attachment means which comprises an eiement of the present invention.

Likewise, the male and female connectors may be interchanged. However, the embodiment iilustrated is preferred, inasmuch as, in view of the inwardly extending or re-entrant nature of the bottom wall 18 of the upper container, stacking is facilitated by utilizing a male connector, and likewise, a female connector is -best utilized in conjunction with the upwardly extending, domelike configuration of the upper end 78 of the can 14.

Referring now to the operation of the valve unit 26a shown in FIG. 6, it will be seen that the control body 36a is fixed relative to the sleeve 116. When these units are moved vertically against the force of the spring 124, which is held in place by a perforated support unit 140 containing a plurality of propellant passages 142, the discharge passages 122 in the sleeve 116 move free of the seal afforded by the ring and move into open registry with the interior of the support unit 140. Thereupon, propellant inside the container 12a moves through the propellant passages 142, through the discharge passages 122 and to the expansion chamber 50a where it expands, creating a localized low pressure area therein. This low pressure area is sufficient to cause product to flow from the lower can 14a through the lower product tube 96a, up the upper product tube 54a, and through the extension 126 to the expansion chamber 50a whereupon the discharging propellant atomizes the product and it is entrained in the rapidly moving spray which is discharged from the orifice 38a.

Thus, the essential function of the valve unit 26a shown in FIG. 6 is the same as that of the valve unit 26 shown in FIG. 2. However, the two units 26, 26a differ in detail as set forth above. Neither unit in and of itself is the essence of the present invention, however, and any similarly constructed and arranged venturi type valve is suitable for use with the present invention. By venturi type valve as used herein, and in the claims, is meant simply a valve in which the discharge of a propellant through an expansion chamber area creates a low pressure or vacuum which is used Vto draw the product to the chamber and entrain it in the propellant discharge stream.

Whereas the mounting of the lower connector 92 is shown, particularly in FIGS. 2 and 7, as being accomplished by placing a mounting cup 84 over a curled -bead 82, it will be appreciated that the means for thus Vsupporting the connector 92 may be any type of top closure device for covering a can end, whether it covers the entire end or an opening left in the end for such a purpose. Thus, the shape of the lower connector 92 may be somewhat varied so that it would have outer marginal edge portions corresponding either in shape or function, or both to the mounting means which comprise the cup 84 and the outer flange S6 throughout.

It can thus be seen, from the above description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings, that the present invention providesa new and useful aerosol container system having a number of novel advantages and characteristics, including those hereinbefore pointed out and others which are inherent therein. I contemplate that certain changes and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An aerosol dispensing unit, comprising, in combination,

upper and lower containers, said upper container comprising,

(a) a main body portion including side wall, and

top and bottom end wall portions,

(b) an aerosol dispensing valve assembly disposed in said top end wall, said valve including V(l) valve means for allowing propellant disposed in said upper container to escape, (2) expansion chamber means for allowing expansion of said propellant as said propellant is discharged to the outside of said container,

(c) upper attachment means disposed in said bottom wall portion of said upper container in a gas-tight relation thereto, said upper attachment means including (l) locking means liquid-tight relation, and

(2) a central opening extending entirely through said upper attachment means, and

(d) conduit means connecting said expansion chamber means to said upper attachment means in a substantially gas-tight relation,

and a lower container being adapted to hold a product tially liquid-tight seal between said upper and lower attachment means, and (cc) a dip tube, including a central opening therein, attached to said lower attachment means, and extending into the lower portion of said container, said central openings being disposed in communicating relation with each other, said upper and lower containers being attached to each other by engagement of said upper attachment means to said lower attachment means, whereby an aerosol unit is provided which is adapted to contain a propellant in the upper container and a product in the lower container, and wherein said product will pass from the lower container through said dip tube and said conduit means to said expansion chamber upon opening said dispensing valve.

2. A container unit comprising, in combination,

(a) a main body portion including side wall, and top land bottom end wall portions,

(b) an aerosol Idispensing valve disposed in said top end wall, -said valve including (l) valve means for allowing propellant disposed in said container to escape, and

(2) expansion chamber means for allowing expansion of said propellant as said propellant is discharged to the outside of said container,

(c) attachment means disposed in said bottom wall portion of said container in a gas-tight relation thereto, said iirst attachment means including (l) locking means for engaging second complementary attaching means therewith in liquidtight relation, and

(2) an opening extending entirely therethrough,

(d) conduit means connecting said expansion chamber means to said first attachment means in a substantially gas-tight relation.

3. A container unit as defined in claim 2 in which said attachment means comprises a connector having screw threads thereon.

4. A container unit as defined in claim 2 in which said attachment means comprises a connector element adapted to form, in combination with a complementary connector element, a snap lock mechanism.

for engaging complementary attachment means therewith in 5. A container unit `for holding a product to be dispensed by vacuum therefrom, said container unit comprising, in combination, Y

(a) a container body including side walls and upper and lower end wall portions,

('b) attachment means, including a central opening therein, disposed in said upper end wall and adapted to receive complementary attachment means and to form a substantially liquid-tight seal therebetween, and

(c) a dip tube, including a central opening therein, attached to said attachment means, and extending into the lower portion of said container, said central openings being disposed in communicating relation with each other.

6. A container unit as dened in claim 5 in which said attachment means comprises a connector including screw threads associated therewith.

7. A container unit as ydefined in claim 5 in which said attachment means comprises .a connector element adapted to form, in combination with a complementary connector element, a snap lock mechanism.

8. A container unit 4as dened in claim 5 which additionally includes a sealing plug adapted to be removably received in said attachment means.

9. A container unit comprising, in combination,

(a) a main body portion including side wall portions and a bottom end wall portion, said side wall portion having a top rim adapted to receive a combination venturi valve `and support unit therefor which includes a propellant discharge valve and a product discharge passage extending through said valve,

(b) attachment means disposed in said bottom wall of said container in a gas-tight relation thereto, said attachment means including (1) locking means for engaging complementary attaching means therewith in a liquid-tight relation, and

(2) an opening extending entirely through said locking means, said attachment means being adapted to receive communicating conduit means for connecting said attachment means to said product discharge passage when said valve assembly is attached to said container rim.

10. A connector unit for an aerosol container system, said connector unit comprising (a) attachment lmeans having a central opening therein and adapted to engage complementary attachment means in liquid-tight relation,

(1b) Ia product dip tube attached to and depending from said attachment means, said dip tube having a central opening in registry with the opening in said attachment means, and, surrounding said attachment means and supporting the same,

(c) Ia top closure device adapted to be ixedly attached to the top of a product container.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,742,604 1/1930 Lemoine 239-371'X 2,971,793 2/1961 Peterson et al. 239-303 X 3,004,718 10/'1961 Gorman Z39-304 X d FOREIGN PATENTS 622,42() 6/ 1961 Canada.

M. HENSON WOOD, JR., Primary Examiner.

V. WIGMAN; Examiner, 

1. AN AEROSOL DISPENSING UNIT, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, UPPER AND LOWER CONTAINERS, SAID UPPER CONTAINER COMPRISING, (A) A MAIN BODY PORTION INCLUDING SIDE WALL, AND TOP AND BOTTOM END WALL PORTIONS, (B) AN AEROSOL DISPENSING VALVE ASSEMBLY DISPOSED IN SAID TOP END WALL, SAID VALVE INCLUDING (1) VALVE MEANS FOR ALLOWING PROPELLANT DISPOSED IN SAID UPPER CONTAINER TO ESCAPE, (2) EXPANSION CHAMBER MEANS FOR ALLOWING EXPANSION OF SAID PROPELLANT AS SAID PROPELLANT IS DISCHARGED TO THE OUTSIDE OF SAID CONTAINER, (C) UPPER ATTACHMENT MEANS DISPOSED IN SAID BOTTOM WALL PORTION OF SAID UPPER CONTAINER IN A GAS-TIGHT RELATION THERETO, SAID UPPER ATTACHMENT MEANS INCLUDING (1) LOCKING MEANS FOR ENGAGING COMPLEMENTARY ATTACHMENT MEANS THEREWITH IN LIQUID-TIGHT RELATION, AND (2) A CENTRAL OPENING EXTENDING ENTIRELY THROUGH SAID UPPER ATTACHMENT MEANS, AND (D) CONDUIT MEANS CONNECTING SAID EXPANSION CHAMBER MEANS TO SAID UPPER ATTACHMENT MEANS IN A SUBSTANTIALLY GAS-TIGHT RELATION, AND A LOWER CONTAINER BEING ADAPTED TO HOLD A PRODUCT TO BE DISPENSED BY A VACUUM THEREFROM, SAID LOWER CONTAINER COMPRISING, (AA) A PRINCIPAL BODY PORTION INCLUDING SIDE WALL, AND TOP AND BOTTOM END WALL PORTIONS, 